english-writing

name	english-writing
description	English writing rules for generated content and code. Trigger: When generating, editing, or reviewing content, code, documentation, or prompts.
license	Apache 2.0
metadata	{"version":"1.0","type":"behavioral"}

English Writing

Enforces clear, professional English in all generated content (code, docs, prompts). Ensures American spelling, ASCII characters, clarity, and technical accuracy.

When to Use

• When generating or editing code, documentation, prompts, or reference material
• When reviewing or validating any written output

Don't use when:

• Translating to other languages (unless explicitly requested)

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Critical Patterns

✅ REQUIRED: All content in English (American spelling)

All generated code, documentation, comments, and prompt content must be written in English, using American spelling.

✅ REQUIRED: ASCII apostrophes and hyphens

Use only ASCII apostrophes (') and hyphens (-) in all written content, code, and documentation.

# CORRECT

Don't use smart quotes or typographic dashes -- use ' and - only.

# WRONG

Don’t use “smart quotes” or – en dashes.

✅ REQUIRED: Consistent punctuation, spacing, and capitalization

Ensure all content uses standard punctuation, single spaces after periods, and consistent capitalization for headings, lists, and code comments.

# CORRECT

// Fetch user data.

## Usage

# WRONG

// fetch user Data .

## usage

✅ REQUIRED: Clear, direct language

Use clear, direct, and unambiguous language for both AI and human readers. Avoid filler, redundancy, and vague statements.

# CORRECT

Return an error if the file is missing.

# WRONG

It might be a good idea to return an error if the file is missing.

✅ REQUIRED: Active voice

Use active voice for clarity and directness.

# CORRECT

Use useState for local state.

# WRONG

useState should be used for local state.

✅ REQUIRED: Imperative mood

Write instructions in imperative mood.

# CORRECT

Add the dependency to package.json.

# WRONG

You should add the dependency to package.json.

✅ REQUIRED: No hedging

Avoid hedging language ("consider", "might", "could").

# CORRECT

Use strict typing for all TypeScript files.

# WRONG

Consider using strict typing for TypeScript files.

✅ REQUIRED: Minimal direct address

Avoid unnecessary use of "you"; focus on direct, actionable statements.

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Decision Tree

Is the content, code, documentation, or prompt in English (American spelling)? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite in English (American spelling)
Are only ASCII apostrophes and hyphens used? → Proceed
Otherwise → Replace with ASCII characters
Is punctuation, spacing, and capitalization consistent? → Proceed
Otherwise → Fix formatting
Is the language clear and direct? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite for clarity
Is the sentence in active voice? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite in active voice
Is the instruction in imperative mood? → Proceed
Otherwise → Rewrite in imperative mood
Is there hedging language? → Remove hedging
Is there unnecessary direct address? → Remove or rephrase
Otherwise → Content is compliant

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Conventions

These rules apply to all generated code, documentation, comments, and prompt content. They do not apply to conversational responses in chat or user-facing explanations unless those are part of generated documentation or code comments.

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Example

# CORRECT

Add the dependency to package.json.

# WRONG

You should add the dependency to package.json.

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Edge Cases

• If a code example requires a non-English string (e.g., for i18n), clearly comment the exception.

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Resources

• validation.md